The 2018 New York Nine Winter Workout/Tryout has gotten off to a great start, as over 70 dedicated, quality student-athletes have joined us in preparation for their upcoming baseball seasons. With a wide range in age, this year’s participants are among some of the most athletic and projectable in recent memory.
After a dynamic warmup players were broken into small instructional groups and rotated between stations under the watchful eye of Nine coordinators, coaches and guest instructors. Former Yankees farmhand, Mariel Checo and Blue Jays farmhand, Francisco Gracesqui led the pitchers in a full workout including pre and post throwing arm care, as well as instructing the short bullpens. Josh Herzenberg, former Nine hurler, Texas area Scout and Rancho Cucamonga coach for the LA Dodgers assisted in the instruction and mechanical adjusting of our young hurlers. Queensborough CC pitching coach Alex Pangourelias worked individually with pitchers on proper mechanics. Queensborough CC Head Coach Roger Mischel focused players with positive visualization and mental preparedness techniques and drills, as well as a full high impact end of practice conditioning set.
Former A’s Area Scout Marcus Cayenne adjusted player approaches at the tee station as well as implemented and oversaw multiple drills which emphasized coordination and athleticism. Organizational hitting coordinator and projected 2018 major leaguer, Viosergy Rosa along with Juan Miguel Torres worked with infielders on proper approaches, body positioning, footwork and throwing mechanics. Rosa then worked with players individually on hitting approach. Fernelys Sanchez, former Braves organizational member and current co-director of player development, broke down proper outfield play and implemented frontline outfield drills. Sanchez also worked with players on their swing paths and achieving violence in the hitting zone. Flushing Head Coach Joe Gerloven and Bayside HS Assistant Coach Kevin Brown worked with players on offensive approaches and helped make needed adjustments.
It’s always enjoyable to see talented student-athletes hard at work sharpening their skills and having fun doing it.
